Revelation 11:15-19 - God Has A Plan

If you listen to the news at all these days, it appears that the big question is, who has the best plan. The Democrats claim to have the best plan to solve the problems of inflation, high fuel prices, baby formula shortage, slow supply chain and dealing with Russia. The Republicans claim they have the best plan. They both claim the other side doesn’t even have a plan. It is the same with the all the candidates in all the primaries that are taking place right now. Which one can give us the best plan to fix all these problems and issues? And honestly, it is very difficult to know who to believe, and you come away feeling that no one really has a plan that is going to work despite all their claims! And if they did, you still wonder, will they keep their promise to fulfill it? Well, my friend, I know someone who has a plan for the world and who will definitely keep His promise to fulfill it. His name is Jesus! Here in closing verses of chapter 11 of Revelation we actually get a glimpse of God’s divine plan and a preview for the rest of the book. This is what we will be looking at for the next several days. We have been waiting since Revelation 8:13 for this third "woe" to arrive and now it is here. When the seventh angel blew the trumpet, three dramatic events occurred: First, an announcement of victory (v. 15). Secondly, an acclamation of praise (vv. 16-18). And third, an assurance of God's faithfulness (v. 19). Honestly when you read the Bible in its entirety, it really is all about the kingdom! When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them the right and position to rule, to have dominion, over the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1:27-28). But when they sinned, in a sense, they gave up that right and handed it over to Satan. Remember he is the thief who came to steal (John 10:10). When Jesus came to earth, He proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, because He, the king of it was present! John the Baptist and the disciples were sent to preach that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matt. 3:1; 4:17). Jesus has always been King of kings and Lord of lords and He has always been in control! Now from Rev. 16-18 we have an acclamation of praise.  The elders left their own thrones and prostrated themselves in worship before God's throne. They gave thanks for three special blessings: that Christ reigns supremely (Rev. 11:17), that He judges righteously (Rev. 11:18), and that He rewards graciously (Rev. 11:18). In Revelation 4:10-11, the elders praised the Creator; and in Revelation 5:9-14, they worshiped the Lamb as the Redeemer. Here the emphasis is on the Conqueror and the King. Keep in mind that in John's day, the church on earth looked as though it were defeated, for Rome was the conqueror and king. John was reminding the saints that they were "a kingdom of priests" reigning with the Savior (Rev. 1:5-6). It may seem at times that the throne of heaven is empty, but it is not. Jesus Christ has both power and authority—in fact, all authority (Matt. 28:18, where the word power means "authority"). Christ not only reigns supremely, but He judges righteously (Rev. 11:18). The Lamb is also the Lion! In Revelation 11:18, we have a "table of contents" for the remainder of the Book of Revelation. These events did not take place the instant the angel blew his trumpet; he simply signaled the beginning of the process, and now these events would take place as planned. Let’s praise the Lord today who always has a divine plan and purpose for our lives and for the world!